Chipotle Chicken Salad
Chipotle chicken salad- A blend of garlicky Greek yogurt, chipotle and herbs tossed together with chopped chicken breast. The perfect high protein lunch recipe for spring!
Let’s talk chicken salad! Although the origin of chicken salad is debated, every region has their own version of this tasty salad. Whether you like your chicken salad fruity, spicy, or with nuts, I think we can all agree that it is totally delicious.
Today’s version is a little bit different than the classic. I chose to eliminate the heavy use of mayonnaise and replace it only with Greek yogurt. Also, this recipe doesn’t contain any fruit or nuts. Instead, what we’re making today is a slightly spicy and lightened up version of a classic chicken salad. It’s super customizable and absolutely delicious for this warmer springtime weather!
Let’s make chipotle chicken salad
Protein: I personally only eat white meat chicken, so I’m using grilled chicken breast today. Feel free to use a rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal prep!
Dairy: Full fat Greek yogurt is all that’s used here. You could substitute with sour cream too if that’s all you have on hand.
Onions: Use red onion for a little more onion forward flavor or green onion if you prefer a milder onion. If you’re basing your onion choice solely on presentation, the green onion will give your chicken salad the most pop! Not that we would ever create recipes based mainly on how they will present at a gathering. 😉
Chipotles in adobo: We can’t have chipotle chicken salad without this ingredient! Just a note here- if you have never tried chipotles before, start by adding just a small amount and add on as you taste! Sometimes these peppers can be very spicy.
What are chipotles in adobo? Chipotles are actually jalapenos that have been dried and smoked that are then added to a tomato sauce with herbs and spices. This is a delicious, versatile ingredient that I use often.
Avocados: Added on the top before serving.
Garlic
Smoked paprika
Herbs: I like to use cilantro or parsley- the choice is yours.
Lime juice
How to serve chipotle chicken salad
There are lots of options for how to serve chicken salad. Choose your favorite and enjoy!
If you are taking the chicken salad to a potluck, consider bringing a variety of vegetables and crackers to serve alongside.
If you are meal prepping this recipe for work, try serving the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens.
Take this chicken salad on your next picnic at the park and serve it wrap style with a tortilla or pita wrap.
Eat this chicken salad as a dip and serve with your favorite tortilla chips. This is my personal favorite way to eat it!
Variations
Add in black beans! When I want to add even more protein for lunch, I like to add a can of drained and rinsed black beans.
Craving even more spice? Try mixing in some raw diced jalapenos.
Needing crunch? Diced bell peppers is a great addition. I’ve tried it with red and yellow bell peppers- so good!
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time? Absolutely! I actually find that chicken salad taste best once it has had time to sit in the fridge, so I typically make this the night before I need to serve.
Looking for more?
Chipotle Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken chopped or pulled
- 2-4 tbsp chipotles in adobo chopped fine
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- handful cilantro or parsley chopped fine
- 1/3 cup green or red onion chopped
- juice of a lime
- salt and pepper to taste
- diced avocado for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients and mix together well.
- Add the juice of a lime and taste for salt and pepper.
- Spoon the chicken salad into a serving bowl and top with diced avocado. **If you are making this recipe ahead of time, wait to add the avocado until you are ready to serve.
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